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Page 329
that there is a party within that party who has been paidand promised morein lieu of what ransoms they might have taken, so that they will devote themselves to making sure that the king's champion will not come alive from the field."
Ian ground his teeth, bitterly regretting that FitzWalter was seated in his own home so that he could not smash his mouth shut. Worse, the man was not even of the opposing party, so that he could take out his rage upon him on the tourney field. He was so furious that he could say nothing, but Alinor's voice came smooth and unshaken.
"We thank you for the warning, my lord. It was kind of you to come with it. May I hope that you will also carry word of this rumor to the Earl of Arundel?" She took a vicious pleasure in the look of discomfiture on FitzWalter's face, then rose gracefully with her hand extended. "I know you are in great haste to do this, so do not allow us to detain you."
Like a sleepwalker, Ian also rose. FitzWalter had no choice but to follow suit and was shepherded out of the solar by his mute and fuming host. Fortunately, Ian's squires were well-trained. Owain was occupied, but Geoffrey was waiting in the small antechamber into which the stairs rose, and Ian was able to hand FitzWalter over before his temper erupted. With scant courtesy, he turned away to hurry back to his wife. Alinor was leaning back in her chair with closed eyes.
"It is nonsense," Ian said furiously. "And even if it were not, I am not a child. I have fought in enough wars where my blood rather than a ransom was sought. I am well able to take care of myself."
Alinor opened her eyes slowly. "I do not fear your ability to guard yourself against Arundel's party," she sighed, "but FitzWalter came here for a purpose, and that purpose was not to warn you against treachery."
"Of course not. He is John's creature and came to frighten youoh, and me also, I suppose."

 
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